Board to decide whether to reinstate Thibodaux police officer

Published: Friday, July 29, 2005 at 11:39 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, July 29, 2005 at 11:43 a.m.

THIBODAUX -- The city's Civil Service Board has 60 days to decide the fate of a former Thibodaux Police officer who was fired in April.

Former Thibodaux Police Sgt. Jason Terry was fired for actions unbecoming an officer following his involvement in a downtown barroom brawl April 8. The board concluded its hearing of Terry's appeal Wednesday.

Terry's lawyer tried to create the image that Terry was a civil servant, willing to protect a fellow officer and enforce the law for the good of all even on his day off.

The city tried to portray Terry as someone whose judgment was compromised by alcohol and anger that he did not control.

The board heard another six hours of testimony Wednesday during the appeal hearing for Terry. Thibodaux Police Department internal affairs investigator Laura Guise testified, followed by Thibodaux Police Sgt. Jerry Kerr and Terry.

Guise was in charge of the internal affairs investigation. She wrote the report that Chief Craig Melancon said he used to decide to fire Terry.

Terry's lawyer, Eric Hessler, tried to show contradictions and inadequacies in the investigative report. Hessler also presented a copy of the video from surveillance cameras at the bar the night of the incident.

Terry said he got involved to help Kerr, who had been pulled to the ground by a bar patron.

<p>THIBODAUX -- The city's Civil Service Board has 60 days to decide the fate of a former Thibodaux Police officer who was fired in April.</p><p>Former Thibodaux Police Sgt. Jason Terry was fired for actions unbecoming an officer following his involvement in a downtown barroom brawl April 8. The board concluded its hearing of Terry's appeal Wednesday.</p><p>Terry's lawyer tried to create the image that Terry was a civil servant, willing to protect a fellow officer and enforce the law for the good of all even on his day off.</p><p>The city tried to portray Terry as someone whose judgment was compromised by alcohol and anger that he did not control.</p><p>The board heard another six hours of testimony Wednesday during the appeal hearing for Terry. Thibodaux Police Department internal affairs investigator Laura Guise testified, followed by Thibodaux Police Sgt. Jerry Kerr and Terry.</p><p>Guise was in charge of the internal affairs investigation. She wrote the report that Chief Craig Melancon said he used to decide to fire Terry.</p><p>Terry's lawyer, Eric Hessler, tried to show contradictions and inadequacies in the investigative report. Hessler also presented a copy of the video from surveillance cameras at the bar the night of the incident.</p><p>Terry said he got involved to help Kerr, who had been pulled to the ground by a bar patron.</p><p>"I perceived him to be in serious trouble," Terry said.</p>